About Me

As a 25+ year homeschooling vet, post-cancer, math prof, mother of five, master's track and field athlete, and certificated private pilot, I have a lot to share about what God has done in my life.
In 2000 I began writing devotions as something to try when it seemed like accoustic pianists were becoming an endangered species at church. I have since found great blessings from writing and sharing. God is good.

Sunday, October 23, 2016

Sliver of Wisdom

First published Oct. 19, 2016

Proverbs 3:21

My son, do not
let wisdom and understanding out of your sight,

preserve sound
judgment and discretion

A couple of nights ago I was
doing a craft project with wooden skewers.
I snapped one in half and was surprised by a sharp pain in my
finger. A sliver of wood dug into my
skin. Ouch. I then considered my options
about this little annoying thing.

I could do nothing in hopes
that the discomfort would not increase and an infection would not develop. Better yet, it could eventually work its way
out on its own, and my problem would have solved itself.

I could rely on my own
expertise and try to remove the sliver myself. That would shorten the time I
would have enduring the pain, but my success rate with removing slivers is
actually low. I’d run the risk of
breaking off part of the wood, or pushing it deeper into my flesh.

My third option was to get help
from someone who could properly remove the sliver. I wisely chose my daughter
Heather to help me out.

***

Interesting how committing a sin
seems easy compared to dealing with its consequences. I’m not talking about covering up the effects
of our sin, but I think there are several issues that we must consider when we
commit sinful acts and thoughts.

The first issue is restitution.
A given for New Testament Believers is that we confess our sinfulness, ask for
forgiveness. But many of us think that’s
enough. In fact, how many of us were
taught or teach to our children to say, “I’m sorry,” then just walk away? Seriously, we need to ask God for guidance to
find the right path in reconciling with the people whom we have harmed. And
surprise! Restoring takes time and effort.

And what about doing nothing
about sin, hoping the guilt (in any form) will go away? NOT. Okay, let’s just
pray for divine intervention. After all,
God is merciful and gracious, but he is not a fix-it handyman to be implemented
at our every whim.

Secondly, though self-reliance
is a sign of confidence in our Christian walk, we should have the right
attitude to do the right thing. Good seeds produce good fruit.